U.S. officials conveyed the message to senior Israeli officials, including military leadership, asking that strikes on Iranian fuel depots and oil-related facilities be avoided. The request comes after Israeli forces reportedly targeted dozens of fuel depots across Iran over the weekend.

Concerns over escalation and oil markets

Washington is concerned that attacks on energy infrastructure could escalate the conflict and trigger wider retaliation across the Middle East. Iranian officials have warned that continued strikes on oil facilities could prompt Tehran to target energy sites across the region.

Such a scenario could threaten global oil supplies and push energy prices significantly higher. Oil prices have already surged above $100 per barrel amid fears that the conflict could disrupt shipments through key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. officials also worry that striking infrastructure used by civilians could undermine efforts to weaken Iran’s leadership by rallying domestic support around the government.

Strategic differences between allies

The U.S. reportedly views attacks on Iran’s energy sector as a last-resort option rather than a routine target in the current military campaign. According to sources cited by Axios, the Trump administration wants to preserve Iran’s oil industry for potential post-war economic recovery and stability.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also stressed that Israeli strikes on fuel depots were not part of Washington’s objectives in the conflict.

Despite the disagreement, Israel has said it is not seeking a prolonged war but intends to continue operations until its strategic goals against Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities are achieved.

Growing regional tensions

The war between Israel and Iran has intensified over the past two weeks following joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and subsequent retaliation from Tehran. The conflict has expanded beyond the two countries, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation involving Iranian-backed groups and critical energy infrastructure across the Middle East.

Analysts warn that further attacks on energy facilities could destabilize global oil markets and increase the risk of broader economic and security consequences worldwide.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In a major diplomatic development, the White House has confirmed that President Donald J. Trump will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for high-level talks in Washington next Monday. The meeting is expected to focus on a potential ceasefire in Gaza, ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages, and broader regional security in the Middle East.

This marks Netanyahu’s first official visit to Washington since the latest phase of the Gaza conflict escalated tensions in the region. According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the Trump administration has maintained “constant communication” with Israeli leadership as the President continues to press for a ceasefire and long-term resolution.

“Bringing an end to the Gaza conflict is a top priority for President Trump,” Leavitt said during Thursday’s press briefing. “The President is fully engaged in these talks and determined to support efforts for peace while ensuring Israel’s security.”

The announcement follows the visit of Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, who held a series of closed-door meetings with senior U.S. administration officials earlier this week. Discussions reportedly included topics such as the terms of a Gaza ceasefire, strategies to deter Iranian aggression, and security guarantees for Israel in a post-conflict scenario.

Netanyahu’s visit underscores a renewed push by the Trump administration to mediate a deal that could bring an end to the months-long war. Sources familiar with the diplomatic efforts say the administration is leveraging back-channel communications with Egypt and Qatar two key mediators with Hamas to bridge final gaps in a ceasefire and prisoner exchange proposal.

While both U.S. and Israeli officials have expressed cautious optimism, significant hurdles remain, including disagreements over security arrangements in Gaza and the timeline for Israeli troop withdrawals. Additionally, domestic political pressure on Netanyahu from hardliners within his coalition has made concessions more difficult.

President Trump, who has touted himself as a broker of peace in the past referencing the Abraham Accords as a model seeks to reignite American leadership in the region through strategic diplomacy.

Foreign policy analysts say next week’s meeting could be pivotal.

“This is not just a bilateral visit; it’s part of a broader geopolitical reset,” said Dr. Miriam Goldstein, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. “The U.S. wants to reclaim its central role in Middle East diplomacy, and this meeting may help lay the groundwork for that.”

The White House has not yet released the full agenda for Monday’s meeting, but insiders expect it to include extended talks, a joint press briefing, and possibly the announcement of new humanitarian initiatives in Gaza.

As anticipation builds, global eyes will be on Washington next week for potential breakthroughs.